Development of Second Generation Merozoites of Leucocytozoon caulleryi In Vitro

Abstract

Sporozoites of Leucocytozoon caulleryi were inoculated into specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens intravenously. Fourteen days after inoculation, the infected blood, parasitized with second generation merozoites, was collected from the chickens. The blood was then suspended in SPF chicken serum or RPMI-1640 culture medium supplemented with 20% SPF chicken serum in petri dishes, which were cultured at 37 degrees C or 41 degrees C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2. Second generation merozoites in parasitized, immature erythrocytes developed continuously through several substages and finally became micro- and macro-gametocytes after 6 days of incubation.

Role of Reticulocytes on Gametocytogenesis in Chickens Infected with Leucocytozoon caulleryi.

“…The development of the second-generation merozoites to gametocytes in L. caulleryi was also observed in culture of peripheral blood [7,11]. Nevertheless, it is not understood whether or not immature erythrocytes play an important role in the gametocytogenesis in infected chickens.…”